“Great. I’m sure she’ll be able to help you. It’s the right choice Ryder. You can’t be here on your own so far from help without something to give you warning.”
She heaved a sigh and looked at the house, a shadow crossing her eyes. “Yeah, I know. Thanks for coming out. I appreciate it.”
“No problem. If you need time tomorrow with Ebony, call in and I’ll get someone to cover your shift.”
She shook her head. “No. Best to stick to our routine, but thanks.” She took the kitten back from his hands and walked to the gate, pushing her way through.
“Lock up.”
Ryder paused then turned her head to look at him. A smile twitched at the corner of her lips. “Yes, boss.” Then she walked up the steps, inside the house, and shut the door. He heard the bolt slide home and walked over to his car.
Chapter 11
Jake gave the directions to the animal shelter once Ryder had picked up her daughter from day care. Ebony seemed sadder and quieter than normal, but he knew that was to be expected. Once they got sorted out with a dog, he had hinted at getting a lift back to the station from his sister.
They drove a short distance from town and turned up a tree-lined road toward the council refuse yard, but he instructed her to turn off before the main gate. “Follow that road up around the bend and pull up in front of the brick building. Gail will meet us inside.”
Eb perked up once the building was in sight. “I get to choose, right?”
“Yes, baby, you do. So long as it has a loud bark and loves you, that’s all I care about.” Ryder put the truck into park and looked in the rear vision mirror. “And it’s not allowed to chew the furniture or my shoes. Deal?”
“Deal.”
They exited the truck and Ryder opened the back door to let Ebony out while Jake looked for his sister. The door opened and she walked out, a smile on her face. “Hey stranger. About time you showed up. Haven’t seen you for far too long.”
Jake pulled her in for a hug and turned to introduce her to Ryder. “Gail, I want you to meet Ryder and Ebony. Ladies, my little sister, Gail.”
“Hi.” Gail held out her and and greeted them. “I have some darling animals for you to look at and one very special boy I’m hoping you fall in love with. Come on in.” She led the way and Eb clutched her mother’s hand and followed.
Gail kept up a line of chatter as they walked through reception, down a couple of corridors and into a large sunny yard that had outdoor pens fenced off to one side. “Jake said a loud bark, but not a puppy. And he told me about Ebony so we know you need a dog that loves kids. I have a couple here that I think might be suitable.” The first pen she led them to held a mixed breed dog that ran into the corner away from them, growling. Even when Gail talked to it, it turned away.
“Sorry. Old Gus is usually okay with visitors. Perhaps he’s having an off day.” She moved onto the next pen and leaned over the rail. “Milo, here boy.” A huge grey and white dog stood up and wandered over, put his paws on the top rail, and stood up on his back legs to look at them.
“Holy crap, he’s not a dog, he’s a horse.” Ryder looked at Jake, her eyes huge.
“He’s adorable. Can I touch him?” The smallest visitor seemed to be the keenest.
“You sure can. He’s a gentle giant and I’d trust him with a baby.”
Ebony climbed up the rails of the pen and put her arms around Milo’s neck. “He’s perfect. Does he eat cats?”
“Ah, no, cats don’t seem to worry him in the slightest. He’s a pretty awesome all round dog really. His owner went into hospital and sadly won’t be going home so I promised to find him a good home. He’s a softy regardless of how he looks.” She reached up and rubbed his ears. “Such a good man, aren’t you Milo?”
“What is he, what breed?” Ryder watched him with Ebony and Jake noticed her move closer herself, holding a hand out to let the dog smell her.
“Great Dane. Pedigree too from what I understand. He’s only three years old and quite well behaved. Definitely over the puppy stage. House trained as well. Watch this and don’t get a fright, okay Ebony?” Gail caught his attention by speaking his name. “Milo.” Then she snapped her fingers.
The loudest bark filled the outdoor area and even Jake jumped back a step.
“Holy crapola.” Ryder had her fingers in her ears and a smile on her face as she met Jake’s gaze.
“Please, Mummy? Can we have him?”
“Looks like you’ve found your guard dog, Ryder. That’s if you say the word that is.” Gail smiled, opened the door and connected a lead to Milo’s collar. “But first, I need to know that you can control him, Ebony, since I hear you’re going to be responsible for looking after him.” She handed the child the lead and whispered in her ear.
“Sit, Milo.” The big dog dropped its butt down to the ground when Eb spoke and looked around to see if he had pleased everyone. His head sat at the same height as Ebony’s and his big tongue lolled out of the side of his mouth. Gail whispered again and Ebony stepped forward. “Walk, Milo. Good boy.”
He followed her around the yard doing everything she asked of him while the adults stood stunned, watching them.
“His owner was old and frail so Milo was trained accordingly, and very well too I might add. He’ll never pull her over or take off
